The Church of God Restoration is somewhat confused, about whether we know what we mean, when we call them a "CULT". So that our readers may know, we are not just using any general description of a cult. But a definition that is applied to destructive totalistic cults. We are using a specific definition that they need to ponder.

In reflecting on how this group operates, and how they controlled our lives, and that without any mercy, the Church of God Ministry is more like the "Giant Despair" in Pilgrims Progress by John Bunyan, who said, "...I show no mercy...".

Do not think that we are trying to get revenge, or are operating from some point of self gain, or have some other motive that is hard to figure out. We have a purpose here, and that is clearly laid out in our mission statement, and in our statement in the article -"Why?".

When I (Jeff Redington) left the group, I remember a friend of mine had called us a cult. Then I thought, now that I am no longer in the group, I wonder what a cult is? Was I really a part of one?

I went online to the American Family Foundation, now the ICSA, and studied about cults and how they operate. I also found online two 40 question tests that I could take to find out if the group I was a part of was a cult.

I took the two fourty question tests. On the first one I scored a 39 out of 40. On the second one I scored a 40 out of 40 questions. This was confirmation that my friend was right. I had been a part of a cult. I could hardly believe it. But that explained a lot of what we just went through.

Yes, I know what we are talking about. We have taken the tests, we have read the literature, we have studied this subject extensively.

When describing something you do not just pick your definition at random. You pick the definition that best describes what you are talking about.

What we are talking about is that our thought processes relating to God, and relating to life itself were so messed up, that we had to get help. After leaving the group and knowing that we had come out of a cult, and needing more help to understand the craziness in our lives, We got a scholarship to go to - WellSpring Retreat. This is a "Cult" recovery retreat.

What WellSpring was able to do is show us materials and explain how that we were not different than thousands of others who had come out of other cults. That we had definitely been a part of one. They showed how they operate. How they control. And the similarities between the Church of God Restoration and other Cult Groups.

We have no doubt and 100% believe this group is a "Cult", as described below, and can back this up with our own experience. As well as others experiences that we are reporting on this site.

It is time for all people who know that this group is a cult as described below to stand up and tell what they did to you. We have provided a forum where you can remain anonymous if you wish. But please write. Please tell. Please spare some other families from having to go through what you have.

On the out side this group looks so old fashion, on the inside they are full of "dead mens bones".

Definition taken from: - ICSA's Cult Information Service / Formerly American Family Foundation

Definition of "Cult":

Cult (totalist type): A group or movement exhibiting a great or excessive devotion or dedication to some person, idea, or thing and employing unethically manipulative techniques of persuasion and control (e.g. isolation from former friends and family, debilitation, use of special methods to heighten suggestibility and subservience, powerful group pressures, information management, suspension of individuality or critical judgment, promotion of total dependency on the group and fear of leaving it, etc.), designed to advance the goals of the group's leaders, to the actual or possible detriment of members, their families, or the community. (West & Langone, 1986)

What Are Some Characteristics of a Cult?